Scam awareness calendar 2019

Why keeping up with scam spikes is important

Every year our trust and safety team witness periods of increased scams and we see specific types of scams increase and decline over time. This is usually triggered by specific holidays, festivals, events or other happenings.

As a content moderator, you need to be aware of these scam spikes, where and when they’re happening and what to look for. That way you can prepare and protect your users better.

Unwanted gifts scam

Stay on top of gift resale of high-risk items at very low prices. Scammers often try to sell ‘duplicated’ or ‘unwanted’ gifts and here are some of the most common items used; costmetic sets, kitchen utensils, handmade gifts, socks, and shaving sets.

5th – 1st Feb, 2019 Asian cup in UAE

Here’s what you should look out for; circumvention terms in ads, a large number of available tickets, low prices, miscategorized tickets, ultra-cheap airline tickets, address, and phone number are geographically disconnected, and bank transfer payment only, to name a few.

Also, remember that official match tickets are only available through the official website.

Samsung Galaxy S10 and X, F or Flex expected launch

The expected launch date for Samsung Galaxy S10 is March 8th, with a rumored starting price at $719 (£739). Samsung is also rumored to launch the first foldable smartphone in March. It’s likely to be called Galaxy X, F or Flex.

Be on the lookout for cheap prices compared to market price, phrases such as ‘item is new or as good as new‘ or ‘brand new in box‘, and deceiving phrases used in the description.

19th – 22nd, Easter holiday

Be on the lookout for fraudulent holiday rental ads and ‘too good offers‘, as weekenders look for last minute deals.

Summer holiday bookings

April is often a month associated with summer holidays bookings. Stay ahead of the scammers and be on the lookout for; high quality or stock pictures, free email domains, IP’s, large group rentals, price below market, full payment in advance etc.

5th – June 4th, Ramadan

14th – July 7th, 2019 Copa America in Brazil

Here’s what you should look out for; circumvention terms in ads, a large number of available tickets, low prices, miscategorized tickets, ultra-cheap airline tickets, address and phone number are geographically disconnected, andbank transfer payment only, to name a few.

Tickets for this event can be purchased online and each federation is in charge of communicating how to purchase them. Ticket prices span between $60-400.

Winter holiday bookings

Believe it or not, but already in July, we start planning our winter holidays bookings. Stay ahead of the scammers and be on the lookout for; high quality or stock pictures, free email domains, IP’s, large group rentals, price below market, full payment in advance etc.

Next iPhone

If Apple sticks to its previous pattern of phone releases, the new iPhones of 2019 is likely to be announced on 10th of September, with headsets closely following on September 13th. Beware of increased scammers on your site during this time.

Firewood scam

With the winter months around the corner, it’s common to stock up on firewood for the colder months. Beware of free email domains, IP’s, attractive titles (urgent, for free, free delivery etc.), and prices below market price.

After Christmas sale

Beware of gift resale of high-risk items and phrases such as duplicated gift and unwanted gift.

How do we research scam trends?

Our trust and safety team is the backbone of our fraud prevention services.

Scammers continuously evolve their tactics and without a keen focus on scam trend research, it is almost impossible to keep up. We started our fraud prevention department in 2004 as it became clear to us that keeping users safe is key to marketplace success.

50% of people who see a scam are unlikely to return to the site they saw it on. That is why we put a lot of effort into predicting new scam targets and to preempt the damage by giving our agents, clients and readers tools and knowledge to spot new scams before they reach end users.